Day 6: Listening to the noise…

“After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper…” 1 Kings 19:12

This is one of my favorite verses in the bible…Elijah is worn out, frustrated and afraid for his life. He seeks refuge in the mountains because God told him to do this. As he waits for God, a bunch of noise happens around him. First an earthquake, then a fire…and it says that God was not in those things. I wonder how long Elijah waited on God. It doesn’t say, I would speculate that God’s arrival to him was not immediate…there was a waiting period involved here.

The Noise
There is so much noise around us today, so much distraction. We might blast our favorite songs on the radio in the car, I sure do. We flip on the t.v. to catch our favorite hour long show – guilty again. We check our social media accounts more often than we’d care to admit. The distraction of noise, both auditory noise and visual noise, is all around us! It seems as if we cannot escape it’s grasp on our lives.

With all this distraction around us, when do we carve out the time to wait on God?
Do we sometimes forget Him amidst the distraction of the noise? It would be very easy to do in our culture today. We are seemingly immersed in the noise and there is virtually no where to run from it. But thankfully we serve a mighty God who is capable of breaking through that noise! In Elijah’s case, God showed up in a gentle whisper. Elijah recognized it and stepped out there to encounter Him. He recognized the moment for what it was…

Do We Recognize our Moments With God?
When the noise of life crashes in, like it frequently does, will we recognize the gentle whisper of God? Are we focused and in tune with Him? Do we wait expectantly for God to show up (which He will)? Whatever your distractions and noise might be, rest assured that God can break through for you, just be prepared and listening for Him!

Prayer
Dear Lord, my life is noisy and often I become distracted by it.
Many times I am consumed by it. Help me to find the gentle whispers in my life. Allow me the patience and attention to hear your voice amongst the noise. Be with me today. Remind me of this communion with You, that I desperately need your divine presence with me. Let me fellowship with you! In Your name I pray these things. Amen.

Nooma- Noise

January 6, 2017 2

Day 5 – All Things New

“And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.'” -Revelation 21:5

It snowed here today.
Snow is not uncommon, but our community is not properly equipped for snow fall. There are not enough snow plows and other equipment here to handle such things. Thus, unsurprisingly, we received an early morning phone call from our children’s schools – School was canceled. There is something sweet about telling our children that there would not be any school as they thrust fists into the air and then nestled deep down into their blankets once more to catch a few more slumber hours…especially the smelly teenagers in our house.

Looking out our windows today, there is a small, pure white dusting of snow on the ground, just enough to make things look clean, crisp and white. It got me thinking – This is what our Heavenly Father does for us when it comes to forgiveness. He wipes our slates clean. He purifies us, and all of the hopes and possibilities become visible again because we do not have to focus on all of the guilt and shame any longer. Of course the consequences are still there, like ripples in a pond…but forgiveness comes (through Christ alone) to make all things new within our hearts. Everything that we cannot change…everything that we still feel guilt over…everything that we regret…everything that weighs us down and, with seemingly unbreakable chains, holds us captive…EVERYTHING is washed away, wiped clean the moment we receive and accept this gift of forgiveness from God.

The amazing thing is, that we will often need to go back to the source of forgiveness and grace, and we can receive it. This, of course, doesn’t mean that we treat it like a get out of jail free card from monopoly, but we can still receive forgiveness when stumble along the way.

So how about it?
Are there moments right now in your life that require this cleansing once more?
Are you bogged down by the weight of sin and guilt? It doesn’t take much to soil this cleansing – a few words of malice; entertaining impure thoughts; actions that are not God-honoring…these daily temptations come rushing in at us because we still live in this fallen world.

But hear the still small voice of God himself who says to us – Behold, I will make all things new. This isn’t just at the end of all things, this is also true in your life today, at this very moment. Just whisper a prayer to Him and He will glad cleanse you once again. Our goal? Becoming the very reflection of Christ in our living…this can only be done by consciously allowing His holy presence to guide, restore and change us…We must linger moment by moment in the Master’s presence in order to fully realize this reality in our lives.

Prayer:
Lord I long for you to make all things new in my life right now.
Forgive me of these sins that creep up in my life and weigh me down.
Cleanse me once more, make my heart and mind vessels for you and you alone. I long to be the reflection of Christ in all that I do and all that I say. In your name I pray these things, Amen.

January 5, 2017 0

Dear Salvation Army, Is It Time For A Uniform Update?

Dear Salvation Army,
I see an inconsistency and I’m wondering if you see it too.
I have been to some divisions and locations where uniform wear is enforced almost militantly and there has been a real lack of grace when someone falls out of line. Flipping the coin, so to speak, I have also witnessed in other areas of the country and world where the uniform is stressed less, and I would imagine not “policed” like others clearly are. I have even witnessed territorial and some divisional officers in other places being publicly photographed in “Army” polos and other “not full-uniform” wear, or in casual uniform wear.

I am most certainly not criticizing this practice, nor am I railing against the uniform, but I wonder if a shift has begun in what the army deems as “appropriate uniform attire”? It most certainly is not universal anymore, and I am rather happy to see women being able to “buck the trend” and wear suit pants instead of polyester skirts if they so choose. Is this also a trend that will continue until suit pants are considered for full uniform for Women? Some might consider the staunch supporters of the full uniform wear to be old fuddy-dutties or too stiff in a swiftly shifting organization. I am not so sure about that either. But I do wonder if we should consider a universal change given the fact the times have changed as have styles of most of the world’s militaries -from which we were modeled after. I might sound a bit progressive here, but why haven’t we adapting and changed yet? Is it that hard to do so? Beyond the rationale “this is what it is” can we clearly articulate why it is so difficult to change it?

Questions to Ponder:
Is full uniform still practical?
What purpose does it serve to the world around us? Do they see and understand what it is we are wearing and why? Do we simply wear it because it is what we do?

Beyond these questions, and the practical applications of uniform wear, can or should the Army be pursuing modern updates or allotments? Has this already begun? Perhaps I serve is a moderately more conservative part of the Army world than you, and you are already seeing this trend…help us out and tell us about it! Historically uniform wear was cost effective to many who could not afford certain “richer” clothing, but the uniform costs today have gotten more expensive, tunics ranging from $200 – 300…these uniforms are not cheap and that historic purpose, at least in my “neck of the woods” is now obsolete.

Someone will inevitably write me (and probably criticize me…again) and say, “But you’re missing the point, there are far more pressing matters to address” to which I would say you are correct…but then why do we spend so much time on the emphasis of uniform? Others might argue that it is our witness as those who are Saved to Save (or Serve, which ever you like) and is represented in our obedience to the uniform…quite right, but it goes deeper than that doesn’t it? We aren’t necessarily obedient to the “Uniform” we are first and foremost obedient to God and then from Him all other forms of obedience flows. One wonders if the uniform is a detractor or an attractor for others to join our ranks? I am not saying that I hate this uniform, please do not take that from what I am saying here, I am merely wondering to what end does our uniform wearing take us? Why do it? Who are are impressing? The General? Our Leaders? God? Of course I am being facetious here, I know why we wear it…but is this a general consensus? Or is it part and parcel to something deeper, more lasting within us? Can you tell me its purpose? And do YOU believe this purpose is lived out in your use of the uniform?

So I guess this pondering is two-fold:
1) Should the Army consider adapting and updating the uniform universally (understandibly there are certainly culture issues at play here as well)?
2) What is the spiritual benefit to the use of Uniform in our witness to ourselves (Ecclesia) and to the world around us? To the last point, the uniform is certainly recognizable to some places of our world and to the poor and downtrodden.

What do you think?
Tell us your thoughts, concerns, gripes, Ideas, convictions…let’s hear it!
Ponder with me on this if you will!

Something more for the Army world to ponder today.

January 4, 2017 40

Day 4: What Good Am I? God’s Talent.

“When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business...” Luke 19:15

Remember yesterday day when we evaluated what kind of fruit we were baring, and whether or not it was good fruit or bad? Well, it matters. Your life matters. What you choose to do every day – This very day…it all matters!

Jesus tells this parable about the talents, and what those entrusted with the nobleman’s riches did with the investment. Two of them multiplied the original investment, while the last person simply hid it away and never attempted, never risked…

I have to be honest with you, when I was a little child I used to think that the last person was pretty smart. He had kept his master’s treasure hidden, safe and sound. What’s so wrong with that? He can just give it back, and it will still be the same talent he was given. Now that I’m older, I understand what this means (at least for me). God gives us these amazing tools to use in our lives. Some have been blessed with amazing voices. Others with great intelligence. Still others the inquisitive and creative mind…and on it goes. That little seed has been planted in us. More than that, God’s truths have also been given to us. He gives these talents to us and He desires us to use them, not hide them away. God longs for us to take risks. He wants us to venture out of our “bubbles” and connect with humanity. He desires our faith that extends beyond our comfort zones and protective barriers. The saddest, most disappointing thing that we can do with our talents is hide them away and never use them – such a waste!

How about you?
Are you struggling to figure out what exactly God has given you to use?
Do you grow weary of the investment?
Or do you risk much and venture out far and wide?
Where do you see yourself within this parable of Jesus?
How can you multiply or even triple His original investment in you?
Don’t forget that the purpose of the investment is to give praise to God and then reach out to humanity through His love! This is the ultimate extension of His wonder and His grace!
Prayer:
Lord help me to see why you invested in me.
I sometimes struggle with my insecurities and doubts.
I long to serve you with everything that I have. Help me to see others the way you see them. Guide me today so that I might be an instrument of your peace to those around me. Help me also to see the investment and talent that you have given me, and in so doing, allow me to use it for your glory! May your will be done in my life today! -Amen!

January 4, 2017 0

Day 3 – Are You Picking Rotting Fruit?

“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit…” Matthew 12:33

Have you heard the phrase “garbage in garbage out?” It describes the results of bad living – whatever we consume – we become. If we determine to look at everything that comes our way today through the lenses of doom and gloom – that is what we shall become. Our perspective on things can, in some ways, dictate the outcomes we eventually face.

What kind of fruit are you picking?
In this new year, you have a choice to make: will you conscientiously strive to consume the spiritual fruit that brings you growth, depth and life, or will you settle for picking rotten fruit, which leads to more than rottenness in your life? It all comes down to your choice in the matter. It sounds easier than it really is, this I know all too well. Many times I have eaten this rotten fruit in my life and suffered the effects of such decomposition.

Context:
Jesus had some harsh words for the Pharisees of His day.
He even calls them a brood of vipers in the very next verse (34).
I would be afraid of what He might say to us sometimes, when we look around at others and attempt to cast judgement all the while forgetting to focus on our own trees and the fruit we are bearing. I would hope that in sobering moments, His Holy Presence would bring conviction and even chastisement. This is a bitter thing to consider, but better to be confronted with our own areas to work on than consume more bitter, rotting fruit that we have produced.

So how about it?
What kind of fruit is your tree producing right now?
Is it sweat, ripe and pleasing to God?
Or is there room to grow and improve?
This is a very personal devotional thought today, one I would guess we shy away from…but don’t shy away from this. Take a long sobering look at your life right now – can you declare unabashedly that you are a fine fruit-producer for Christ? If you come to the conclusion that you still have work to do – do not become frustrated and defeated! You are not alone…many of us (including myself) are right there with you.

Homework Assignment:
Read Matthew 12:33-37 again right now:
³³“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. ³⁴You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. ³⁵A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. ³⁶But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. ³⁷For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Questions to Ponder:
What work still needs to be done in my heart right now?
Are there weeds growing amongst the fruit?
How can I de-clutter my heart today and remove the rotten fruit?
How can I encourage others around me today?
What soothing words can I speak on behalf of Christ to those I meet today?

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I confess that at times I do not always produce good fruit in my life.
Sometimes my words are harsh and my actions do not reflect You.
Help me to be your image in all that I say and do today.
I desire to produce in my life a harvest of hope and love for You and you alone, and in so doing I might be an Eternal aroma to those I meet. Help me to be the very best representative of you! In your name I pray these things. -Amen.

January 3, 2017 0

Day 2 – Residing In The Goodness…

Focus Verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28 (NIV)
The grace of God resides within us. His presence provides what we need in the good times as well as the bad.

Our focus verse for today has less to do with some sort of magic “goodness”and more to do with where we choose to place ourselves daily. What I mean by that is this: are we firmly planted in our faith in the almighty? Or, like shifting sands, do you waver and even falter when stressful/difficult things occur?

The emphasis within this verse is “…of those who love Him…” Whatever you may face today, wherever your path might take you, how deep does your love for God go? To what depths will you journey…will you go even beyond your comfort zone to serve our Father in heaven?

The goodness God offers might not manifest itself in earthly riches and worldly fame, but rather in our daily provisions and spiritual blessings. He gives us what we need, not necessarily what we want. He loves us and know exactly the means by which to provide and to protect us. The very real question is: do we trust Him? Might I confess that I still struggle with this trust. I still attempt to “handle” it all on my own…and I usually fail gloriously when I do.

Might I suggest that we tackle this trust issue moment by moment instead of with vast brush strokes and promises?! …and in so doing, may we plant ourselves firmly in the goodness of God, and remain there!

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to reside within your goodness. Show me how that can take place within my doubting moments. Help me to surrender to you even when the going gets tough. I long to be yours and yours alone! Thank you for this glorious day that you have given me and the blessings that I often take for granted. Reside with me throughout my day and all that might frustrate my plans. May Your will be done in my life today.

-Amen.

January 2, 2017 0

A Transforming Year – Reading #1

As promised, I will attempt, with the help of others, to include a Pondering daily devotional this year. I hope that this might be found useful to all who read it. -Blessings!

Reading #1
“Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” -Romans 12:2

What will this year have in store for us?
Will it be an epic year, or will it be a difficult year?
What challenges will I face?

As we look into this new year of 2017, we cannot but help to wonder what might happen, both the good and the not so good. Despite the fact that we do not know what the future holds for us, we do know who holds that future! Our faith must not be so shallow as to worry about what could happen, or what might take place…these things are beyond our reach, and as Matthew 6:25-34 describes – what good is worrying?…”Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear...” The only thing that worry is good for is wasting our time and efforts. Let go of what could be, or what might happen…these worries distort and consume us if we allow them access to our innermost thoughts.

Instead, let our focus verse become just that today – Your focus.
Do not allow the elements and issues of the world around you to decide how you will live or interact with others. These concerns of the world will always be there, but at the end of the day can we really control it all? – NO!

Do you want a transformation that lasts much longer than any new year’s resolution? Then look no further than God’s Holy Presence to begin that new and good work within you! It won’t be easy. There will be setbacks along the way, but with His power and strength, all things are possible! But I must warn you – this path takes discipline and diligence to see a marked improvement of the soul.

Take time today read this focus verse…read it more than once.
Perhaps say the words out loud…even take it step further and write these words in your own handwriting somewhere, perhaps in a journal or a piece of paper you can post on your refrigerator or some place prominent. Pray for God’s transforming power to begin this good work within you anew.

Homework: (Don’t be afraid, there won’t be a test)
* Read the words out loud
* Write them down
* Pray about your concerns and worries – begin to lay them one by one at God’s feet.
* Invite God into every aspect of your day – from beginning to end.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I have these worries in my life.
Fears about tomorrow.
Stresses at work and sometimes with my family and friends.
Intercede in my life today!
Remind me of your transforming power that will guide and provide me peace in the midst of my storms. Help me this year Lord to trust you more, to worry less about the world around me that often consumes my thoughts and leaves me drained and empty. Give me a passion for others that reflects Yours. Change this heart of mine, transform my thoughts, ambitions, desires and efforts into an outpouring of love for You. Thank you for Your presence with me, now walk be side me into this new year. In Jesus name I pray these things. -Amen.

January 1, 2017 0

Dear Salvation Army Officer: I Need Rest!

With six more days (if it’s still Monday when you read this) until the craziness of the Christmas season screeches to a halt, the life of an officer never seems to end. There are still kettle goals to be met, Christmas distributions to clean up after, and countless logistical issues to oversee.

Officers don’t of course do this alone, teams of wonderful employees and volunteers help (we really couldn’t do this without you!!) I don’t wish to ever minimize anyone’s efforts during this time of Christmas – everyone works so hard.

As an officer I know how often I have climbed into bed bone tired and sore with many things yet to accomplish and left for the following day. It is exhausting work and I pray we never miss the point of it all. I pray that we never forget the real reason that we celebrate Christmas – because all of this busyness can certainly consume the Christ-mas if we allow it to. Have we begun to dread this holiday, this advent season? Have we become workaholics and have we placed this about our worship of the Almighty? Most likely not, but there is certainly the danger here. We want to succeed in our goals, we want to work hard and accomplish much…but is God present in all of these goals and in our striving for success?

A song recently pulled me up short, and caught my attention.
The refrain that struck a chord in my heart was this:

“I need rest, I need rest
Lost inside a forest of a million trees
Trying to find my way back to me
I need rest”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w60V7lLY2bs

These lyrics are from a song by Jason Gray entitled “Rest (the song of the innkeeper)”
It describes the busyness of life, getting caught up and seeking the rest amidst all of the chaos .

Dear Officer – You need rest…do you find it? Are you seeking it?
Has the work become your god?
Do you dread Christmas and everything it brings?
How can we avoid the dread and the misaligned religion of work instead of relationship with God?

I pray you find it even as you finish this Kettle season, or hectic social service season!
I pray that as December 25th arrives you can embrace the birth of Christ once more with fresh abandon and awe. Merry Christmas to you all!

God bless you!

December 19, 2016 3

Giving At The Red Kettles: Gary’s Story…

I recently listened to a Ted Talk about time management, and in that Ted Talk the speaker inferred that it is not about having enough time to do things, it is all about our priorities in life. If something is important to us, that becomes a priority, while other less liked tasks will become a non-priority.

Many of us will claim that we don’t have enough time in the day, but perhaps the real question is: what do we make a priority in our lives? Here at The Salvation Army, our priority during this insanely busy season is to provide food, toys, clothing, and a warm safe place for people in need, and so we set out to accomplish this by raising much needed funds at our Red Kettle locations. This vital campaign helps us ensure that no one goes hungry or without a Christmas in our community. This is daunting task, because it requires hundreds and hundreds of hours of manning a red kettle location during cold winter days by generous volunteers and additional hired bell ringers.

I would like to share with you an amazing story of generosity by one such volunteer. His name is Gary, and he has made bell ringing one of his priorities in life in order to help people in need. Despite fighting an epic battle of cancer in his life, last year alone Gary came out and rang the bell for The Salvation Army for over 60 hours during the month and a half long Red Kettle Campaign…and he’s back again this year to do the same!!

Gary has made it his mission to not only overcome his own personal health crisis, but to help others by ringing the bell at the red kettle. “I really love doing this, and I know that I am making a difference!” Gary said, as he stands all bundled up at the entrance of his local Walmart store. He never stops ringing the bell while we talk, each clang of the bell is another accomplishment in his life. You can hear him from the back of the parking lot, and every time Gary is out ringing that bell, you can rest assured he is smiling and welcoming shoppers warmly in the hopes that they will give…and give they do. His smile is infectious as is his personality. His priority? To help people in need despite his own daily health challenges. Gary could’ve stayed at home after being diagnosed, no one would have blamed him. He could have simply fought for his own life, that would certainly be understandable, but Gary has risen above his own mountainous challenge in order to tackle the challenges of others…by ringing that bell.

Gary’s story personifies for us the true meaning of Christmas.
It reminds us that giving is far better than receiving…that generosity and selflessness can touch the hearts of many by simply being willing and available to serve. The world needs more Garys in it.
It is so much more than just ringing a bell, it is the very heart of God living and becoming hands and feet in a very tangible way towards others. It is the countless acts of kindness shown to people when no one else is watching. It is giving God our very best instead of what is left over.

So let me ask you what are your priorities this Christmas?

December 19, 2016 0

Christmas Chaos Calmed By 4 Words…

In the early six am hour, I stumble from my bed. And my very first priority is to, with eyes half open – and long drawn out yawn, stand before the coffeepot with cup impatiently in hand.

Yesterday still reverberates and echos loudly in my ears, but I must be prepared for the onslaught that is this new day. What can I expect from this new one? Perhaps more hectic phone calls of fires I must put out? Most likely more kettle money to count, as well as a host of other public appearances…the day will eventually join all other days, which slowly blends and bleeds together becoming a cacophony of noise, fast driving, and not enough hours to complete every. single. task. It (my day) can become quite frustrating.

At the end of the day…

It is in the late night hour, when the lights have been extinguished, and the sounds of exhausted snores begin again, that I wonder if THIS is what I have signed up for? The restlessness, the anxiety, the stress, the responsibilities, the burden that they (whoever “they” are) has called the “mantle of leadership”. Is it worth it?

For I am drawn to the unfinished homework down the hall that my child needed my help on. That growing stack of dirty dishes, now elbow-high in the sink. The Mount Everest sized heap of laundry, a mix of colors and whites all blending together in some stained and stinky gym-socked odors that still remain downstairs- largely ignored. “T’is” the season” we say (laughing it off), as we run out the door having not eaten as much as we should and hoping we can spend more time with our children today than we did yesterday…or the day before that.

These are the things that guilt my slumber…but still I sleep (and snore), only to repeat the same maddening schedule all over again the next day, “Dear Lord, please either return today or make Christmas Eve speed up in my direction” I breathlessly, and continuously pray. This has become my mantra, my hope to cling to, my “light at the end of the tunnel” (which happens to sound a lot like the ringing of bells and the clanging of loose change from a crimson bucket).

I keep telling myself that this makes a difference, that what we do in these restless weeks matters, but it offers little comfort when fielding that phone call from an irate store manager, or a raging parent unsatisfied with the toys that we have to offer them (while we always put our best foot forward)…The mantra “We make a difference” is even a cold comfort when having to terminate another ringer for having sticky fingers and blatantly lying about it even when managers and customers have witnessed it a time or two.

Are we making a difference?
Am I making a difference?
Did I sign up for this?
Is this what God has asked us to do?
Better yet, am I really giving my all to God in the places and spaces that matter most?

And that’s when it hits me…
I have been going about this all wrong…
What is “this” you ask?

My attitude…
My motivation…
My determination…
My gifts and abilities…
ALL “MY”s….

But there are days when I must get away and recharge…
there are days when I must reconnect with the family…
there are days when priorities and responsibilities of ‘self’ wins out.

But here…
In this moment-
I feel the Holy Spirit breathe into me four simple words that strike the cord of truth deep within me. It lays to waste all of my hesitations, temptations, guilt and fears. It puts everything back together again. It restores my faith in humanity even after getting burned SO. MANY. TIMES…

He whispers those words into my busy day.
He whispers them into my chaotic heart and mind.
He whispers them and though the bell ringing continues, and the change from crimson buckets still falls, I find some clarity and solitude. (How ironic is that?!)

What are the four words you ask?
Perhaps it is something for all of us and all of our furious paced lives right now…

The words?

Thy Will Be Done…

Are you feeling the Christmas chaos yet?
Have you asked similar questions?
Do you feel the guilt of a crazy paced life right now?
You’re not alone!!

A Prayer We Can All Pray:
Lord, I want to be your servant today.
You know that I feel betrayed at times by those around me.
You know that I feel cheated out of a calmer life sometimes.
You understand the chaotic mess that is my life right now.
I pray your silent strength and shielded hope would surround me.
I pray you would increase as I decrease in all of these efforts today.
Grant me your strength and discernment for the tasks at hand.
Lead me Lord into Thy will.
-Amen.

Something more to ponder today!
By the way….you got this!
God Bless you!

December 8, 2016 3